Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed let parents keep their infant close during the night without compromising on safety. They are designed to be used by infants up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest swivels over the parent's bed and has a push-down side that allows parents to take their newborn baby in for middle-of-the-night feedings. The base is not suitable under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to keep their babies close to them for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their own bed. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or who have limited mobility. It could also help parents stay more relaxed throughout the night. It is crucial to think about the safety aspects when purchasing a bedside crib.
The main safety concern with this type of sleeping surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant sleeping area and can result in gaps that could cause suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent, which can increase the risk of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC's safety standards. They may feature the slats which allow babies' legs or heads to become trapped and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable and lead to separation.
A lot of these surfaces have bedding that is loose that could cause the risk of suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to remove their bodies from the soft bedding. Gaps between the frame and mattress can create the risk of suffocation. Some of these products also have an extremely hard bottom that could hurt a child when they fall on it. One commenter suggested the CPSC include pictograms as warnings on these products. This will reduce the chance that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers must have an easy transition mechanism that can keep the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet allows infants to sleep on their parents' beds and still have a separate sleeping space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arm's reach for feedings during the night or for comforting.
Baby bedding to sleep in the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. It can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that any bedding you use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid pockets or bulges that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in the event that they fall or spill up in the night, choose something that is easy to wash and dry. Consider an item for travel to make it easier to pack and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag when you're going to visit grandparents or on vacation.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper you can transition him or her to a crib or a toddler that is its own. When transitioning, be sure to move the crib away from the bed of the parent for several weeks or months to allow your child to be comfortable sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents. Be sure to select a crib that you can fold up easily for storage and transportation. Some models can even be converted into play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them an excellent choice for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach out to tend their baby at night. It could have tilt features that help ease reflux in infants. Some parents feel this feature helps their child sleep better. It is important to remember that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface may encourage your baby's chin to chest position. This could lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
A good mattress is a key factor in choosing the right crib for your child's bed. It should be flat, firm and breathable. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the risk of SIDS and it is recommended that you purchase an entirely new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames therefore it is recommended to choose them if you can.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to tuck under your bed in order to save space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds aren't tall enough to accommodate this type of crib. The BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It is also a challenge to place it under a divan bed, which could cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets, like the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be set on top of your mattress, but they cannot be slanted. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds if they have a solid, breathable bed. The tilt of a bassinet may cause your child to roll into a risky position, increasing the chance of dying.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that is attached to the edge of an adult's bed. It allows parents to be able to easily access their child throughout the night. These beds are typically larger than the traditional cots and bassinets, and some even have a a lower side that forms an unintentional barrier between the sleep spaces. They are usually made from durable materials, and some come with wheels that allow for easy transportation throughout the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have a tilt feature that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues, such as reflux or colic. However, best bedside cot for newborn to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a very gentle angle to avoid the risk of the risk of suffocation. If you're unsure about whether or not to use this feature, speak to your doctor or health professional for advice.
Another important safety consideration when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that is too soft can cause a blocked airway, which can be dangerous for newborns. A breathable mattress will also ensure that your baby stays cool during the night, which will reduce the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to put your baby to sleep in their own safe sleeping area - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. It could be appealing to share a bed as your infant, but this can cause SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to protect your child from second-hand smoke. If you're on a low income, you could be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to buy or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle as a hand-me-down from a family member or friend. However, cribs are one of the most common causes of death due to nursery products, especially when older ones have damaged or missing parts or if they have more space between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Additionally, older mattresses can create dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your child. If a crib is too old to meet current safety standards, it may be contaminated by lead paint or contain other harmful chemicals.
Check if the crib has been removed from the crib. It's also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is much safer for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Make sure the mattress is firm and that it fits snugly. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to fall out and also can pose a danger of suffocation.
Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and have no sharp elements that your baby can scratch or poke at. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these products which could create entrapment hazards.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these incidents were caused by caregivers or parents who attempted to make the cribs functional or more attractive by incorporating or altering items. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, addressing things like side heights, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in the end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have dropped from about 150-200 per year to about 50.